Marianne Faithfull Tribute Album Announced

Iggy Pop, Shirley Manson, Cat Power, Peaches and others come together to help British pop legend

November 8, 2023November 8, 2023 Ron Hart 0 Comments Bandbox, Bush Tetras, Cat Power, Donita Sparks, Iggy Pop, In The Q Records, Joan As Police Woman, Lydia Lunch, Marianne Faithfull, Peaches, Shirley Manson, Tammy Faye Starlite, Tanya Donelly

Marianne Faithfull (Image: MF’s website)

Marianne Faithfull is one of the most distinctive and important voices in the annals of English pop whose flowers are long deserved.

And as a testament to her importance in the evolution of songcraft, In The Q Records – in conjunction with the Women of Rock Oral History Project proudly announce the release of a new benefit album, The Faithful: A Tribute to Marianne Faithfull. The double LP, which will be available on December 8th on streaming services with a vinyl version forthcoming with artwork from the renowned album artist Jill Emery.

It’s tracklist includes 19 cover songs from a wide array of artists including Shirley Manson, Peaches, Lydia Lunch, Tanya Donelly, Cat Power, Iggy Pop, Bush Tetras, Donita Sparks and Joan As Police Woman among others, all of whom donated their music to the collection so that every dollar from its purchase igoes directly to Ms. Faithfull as she continues to recover from Long COVID.

“The thing about being an icon or a muse is that it doesn’t pay the bills–even if you have over 50 records under your belt,” explains Tanya Pearson, founder of the Women of Rock Oral History Project. “Even if you were the It Girl of the swinging sixties. Even if you’re Marianne Faithfull. Marianne built a career as a counter-cultural artist, exploring a multitude of genres and styles. She’s worked with countless collaborators, musicians and producers. As a result, her catalog, and career, can’t be easily categorized which basically means she never had a chance of reaching the kind of widespread commercial recognition she deserved. My hope with this record is that Marianne sees how loved, respected, and appreciated she is by her successors. I hope that these versions of her songs introduce a new audience to Marianne Faithfull and inspire them to buy her records. I hope that Marianne Faithfull gets the respect she deserves; preferably in this lifetime.”

The first single from the album, featuring Tanya Donelly & the Parkington Sisters taking on “This Little Bird,” can be heard below.

“Marianne’s voice has always been one of my favorite instruments, from childhood through today, and her music and spirit have been life-long inspirations,” says Donelly. “I wanted to cover ‘This Little Bird’ for its fragile and beautiful musical arrangement and melody, and the bittersweet story the lyrics tell. A total honor to get to sing and play this lullaby, and the Parkington Sisters elevate with their vocal and string magic. We’re so grateful to be able to pay tribute to this amazing singer / songwriter and woman.”

Various Artists The Faithful: A Tribute to Marianne Faithfull, In The Q Records 2023

Here’s what some of the other artists included on The Faithful had to say about taking part in this project.

“Marianne has lived a life!! She is a queen to all who know her, and all who adore her! Her framework of contributions to the world of music is unmistakable! Every time I hear her gorgeous vocal sway, I am moved, I am closer to permanence. In a world of dizzying, new fizzling arrows of song and voices, Marianne has always struck the bullseye of my heart and soul. I adore her like no other. A true Dame, beyond words. Royalty forever.” — Chan Marshall

“Growing up as a classical musician in Eugene, Oregon, I was not introduced to Marianne Faithfull and her music until I started finding my own identity as a teenager. My friends and I gravitated toward bands and artists that had true integrity and were off the beaten path. This is when I started learning about Marianne. Her artistry and integrity definitely influenced me but I was too young to really be conscious of it. Since that time, true artists have interested me more than anything. As a teen, it made me feel cool and when I grew up, it became something I aspire to be.” — Kevin Salem

“This recording is a totem of my immense gratitude to Marianne. A mark of my undying respect, unerring fascination, and an offering to her residing, perennial greatness. This song has long been a favourite of mine, and to perform it with Peaches & Greg was an immense thrill.” — Shirley Manson

“Oh Marianne, with the album Broken English I was yours faithfully! You showed us all who you really were: Raw, Real and Unapologetic! The boldness was a revelation. ‘Why D’Ya Do It,’ in particular, shocked me! It felt radical to sing along with all its shade, crass language and direct anger. It was an inspiration. Be your bad dirty ugly gorgeous truth! Thank you for this wisdom!” — Peaches

“Marianne and I were both close friends of Hal Willner. He had always wanted us to work together. Turns out my contribution to this album is how it has manifested. Love you Hal & Marianne.” — Joan As Police Woman

“When I was first approached to be a part of this project, I was super excited because I’ve been a fan of Marianne Faithfull’s for years. Such a unique voice in music she is, in many different ways. A lot of great artists and friends had already signed on to the record which I was very happy about. I knew I had to find a song of Marianne’s that I could authentically relate to and hopefully deliver upon. That song turned out to be ‘Sliding Through Life on Charm.’ What a ‘tell-it-like-it-is’ gem. This one hits me right in the kisser. To later find out that it is one of her few autobiographical songs makes total sense to me. I get it big time, and hope I do it justice.” — Donita Sparks, L7

Pre-order The Faithful: A Tribute to Marianne Faithfull HERE.

Track List:

Disc One – Side A

Tracy Bonham – “As Tears Go By”
Tanya Donelly & the Parkington Sisters – “This Little Bird”
Josie Cotton – “Summer Nights”
Sylvia Black – “Sister Morphine”
Cat Power & Iggy Pop – “Working Class Hero”

Disc One – Side B

Shirley Manson & Peaches – “Why D’Ya Do It”
Pom Poms – “Brain Drain”
Bush Tetras – “Guilt”
Joan As Policewoman – “Broken English”
Tammy Faye Starlite & Barry Reynolds – “The Ballad Of Lucy Jordan”

Disc Two – Side C

Honeychild Coleman – “Over Here (No Time For Justice)”
Adele Bertei – “Times Square”
Nicole Atkins & Jim Sclavunos – “Strange Weather”
Lydia Lunch – “Love, Life, and Money”
Cynthia Ross (the B Girls) & Tim Bovaconti – “Vagabond Ways”

Disc Two – Side D

Donita Sparks – “Sliding Through Life on Charm”
Miss Guy – “Sex With Strangers”
FaithNYC – “Kissin’ Time”
Feminine Aggression – “Before The Poison”